Preseason team outlook

After visiting EMU spring training camp and watching the annual spring game pictured below it is app rant that the offense will be tasked to carry the Defense this year. With 9 returning starters on offense this will be the year that EMU will have to make a statement. Recruiting has always been a problem at EMU. This is the main focus of 2nd year coach NUCMANDON. When talking to him he said; " X's and O's are the easy part. If you don't have the players to execute, then that is the hard part. We lost our entire D-line last season along with our star MLB, CB, and FS. Between recruiting and moving people around we were able to fill most of these voids with equal talent from last season. This season will be critical for us in winning and recruiting. We have 11 seniors that are staring with out a suitable backup. Having minimal injuries will be key as well. I'm looking for a good year, and competing for the MAC West title." After talking to the coach the fell is that EMU is looking for big things this year. Will it happen is another story. ESPN News.

SMU is back. The Stampede will be on and strong. SMU did not lose many starters and the core of our offense will still be around. So you can expect a smoother running, more efficient Mustang offense that plays lights out and a Defense that hopes to give up less points this season. Is SMU ready to become a top 25 regular?

UTep entered this offseason with a new coach eager to put his stamp on this young utep team. After talking to the coach he seems to be confident that he can compete this year even with a young inexperienced core of players. He says they he and everybody has worked extremely hard this offseason and expect to not only surprise in the Conference USA but nationally. Seems as his players are buying in to his enthusiasm and his confidence as his Senior quaterback, a first year starter whom hasnt taken a single snap in 3 years was boldly talking heisman consideration. He's got these guys believing the impossible or is it?

Akron is looking at a tough season, as the previous staff left the cupboard pretty bare. Coach gprep93 is still evaluating talent and trying to decide the best path to take on offense. On defense, the Zips will run a 4-3 scheme.

Preview the UCF Knights. The Knights have lost the foundation of their team in Brynn Harvey but will not slip too far as he will be replaced by strong senior runner Jonathan Davis. The line will still be solid which it will need to be to protect 1st year starter, Jeffery Godfrey at QB. Having great senior leadership in WR Quincy McDuffie should give some ease to the process of having a new QB.

The defense is lead by one of the nations best, SR CB & All-American Josh Robinson. He will have to lead a mediocre secondary in the strong east division. Up front will be the responsibility of All American DT, Brandon Bryant. He will be along side FSU transfer Everett Dawkins.

Special teams will be solid as (2) SR kickers return to handle punting and FG's.

Predicted outlook, 8-4. The Knights just won't have the fire-power to overcome teams like Florida, Southern Miss, SMU, Auburn & Pittsburgh. They lack too much in depth at certain positions to be a powerhouse.